The Executive Mayor, Linah Malatjie, has vowed that service delivery challenges raised by members of the community will be included in the final Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Speaking during the IDP budget Indaba, which was attended by various stakeholders from the banking sector, business and mining industry , at the Civic Centre on Tuesday 30 April 2019, she indicated that during consultation meetings, communities sharply raised nine issues which include, electricity, housing, roads, water, and housing.

She attributed budget main challenges for 2019/2020 to weak economic performance and revenue shortfalls.

Another factor which stretches the budget further is the rapid population growth, which stands at 3,2 percent annually against economic growth of 1.2 percent per annum.

Municipal Manager Sizwe Mayisela acknowledge that the municipality is still grappling with challenges of, among others, lack of reliable water and electricity supply, poor road infrastructure, and an increase in violent crimes.

“The environment in which the municipality is operating is very dynamic with ever increasing demands and the changing expectations of its community.”

“The municipality operates under the backdrop of significant challenges in relation to payment of services by the community,” reasoned Mayisela.

Council Speaker, Cllr Busi Hlumbane, advised that the municipality has an obligation of drawing up an IDP which is a super plan that gives a framework for development.

“The IDP sets out the municipality’s goals and development plans, which need to be aligned with the municipality’s available resources. Council adopts the IDP and undertakes an annual review and assessment of performance based on the annual report,” said Hlumbane.

Hlumbane said the executive mayor and executive committee are expected to provide political leadership, by proposing policies, guiding the development of budgets and performance targets, and overseeing their implementation by monitoring performance through in-year reports.

“In executing their duties, they may not use their position, privileges or confidential information for private gain or to improperly benefit another person.”

“The municipal manager holds the primary legal accountability for financial management in terms of the MFMA and, together with other senior managers, is responsible for implementation and outputs. They have a duty to act with fidelity, honesty and integrity, and in the best interests of the municipality at all times,” concluded Hlumbane.